How I Totally Shocked Someone & Felt Like A Celebrity While Waiting To Be Checked Out At Sam’s.
Posted: Friday, March 04, 2011
by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/
No, I didn’t strip nor did my boobs hang out. No, I wasn’t cursing or going berserk because I had just spent $113.00, although I just came in the store to buy a couple of things. It wasn’t like that at all.
This is how it went down. It was just an ordinary day, although beautiful, 65 degrees. Jim and I decided to go to Sam’s for a couple of our favorite items. Jim went to get a new “Sam’s Card” while I checked out. I put my groceries on the counter. Something made me look behind me and I noted a young man holding one item. I don’t even remember what the item was.
The young man looked befuddled and as if he was going into shock as he replied, “are you sure?”
“Yes, of course I am sure. It’s no big deal. I’m not in a hurry.”
The young man crept ahead of me and looked around as if he was doing something wrong.
“I really appreciate this. I work in the optical department. If you ever, ever need glasses, I will fit you with the best pair you have ever had! “
I nodded my head and smiled. “Thank you and have a nice day.”
“You, too. You have really made my day a whole lot better.”
Wow, I thought to myself. Is this what the world has come to? Are people shocked so much at such a little kindness? In my mind, it wasn’t big enough to qualify as a kindness, but the whole incident made me wonder if civility isn’t a thing of the past. In fact, I would qualify this small act as not specifically kindness, but being polite.
A few months ago I was waiting in the lab to get a blood test. I am just naturally a people-watcher. Two young men came in and from what little I could hear; they were discussing the cost of a lab test with the receptionist. I think they probably needed this test in order to get employment somewhere. After a few minutes of discussion, the two young men were ushered into the next room. About that time, I saw an older gentleman approach the desk. When you are eavesdropping, as I was you can’t hear each word – just kind of every other word, but I am pretty sure he told the receptionist that whatever the cost (of the two young men’s blood test), he would pay. To me, that is a real act of kindness and going beyond being polite.
Kahil Gibran said: Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but manifestations of strength and resolution
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo F. Buscaglia quotes (American guru, tireless advocate of the power of love, 1924-1998)
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More commentsIt's terribly sad that the young man had so little experience of people being kind to him. I'm glad you were his angel of the moment, Fran, probably made a huge impact on him. And the older man paying for the two guys, that's so moving!
Hi Fran.
Looking at the comments and responses (just pictures and no typed words) below, I'm not sure you will get this. But I really enjoyed your story. It is sad that civility is so unexpected these days. And it is good that a few people like you and that gentleman still practice it.
Hugs,
Dianne
Beyond beautiful Fran. These acts are the essence of life. Although I'm sure they occur more often than we are ever around to witness, the opposite is always far too familiar in our everyday lives. Especially in our politics which is I guess where a lot of people get their ideas that the more they can deprive those with nothing anything, the more they get to savor for themselves.
I love the quote by Kahil Gibran. And I loved your article. Simple gestures and acts of kindess do make a difference. Just like you letting the guy ahead of you in line. Those acts used to be more common and less noticeable. It's because everyone is in a hurry now and thinking of themselves that we don't see it more often. Nice Fran. Very nice. :)
Thanks for the great article, Fran! I've done the same thing at the store and gotten the same sort of reaction... but you know what? I figure my people and your guy will most likely do it for someone else if the situation is reversed because they will remember the impression it made on them. It's Paying It Forward at it's best. Plus, it makes me happy too! It's a win, win situation.
These kinds of incidents keep up our hopes for the world Fran- Love still lives- people still care- hope still exists....uplifting article
makes one feel that some things are still alright---Looking on the bright side as well as the dark- helps keep us balanced. Thanks Fran- enjoyed this- Always- Ella
That was very beautiful, Fran. I remember such incidents in my daily life too, but you recounted them very well. We all need a little bit of courtesy and it seems to be fading out from human manners. It is not what happens in daily life, but how we share those experiences with each other to increase the awareness of good behavior and you have done it perfectly.
I hardly ever get out of Sam's without dropping at least $100. You were kind, Fran, and that goes a long, long ways now days!
As Shyam said, this was beautiful. My Mom taught me manners like you've spoken of above, and when I've let someone go in front of me in line, just like you said, they act totally shocked. It's great to have people like you in the world Fran, we need more of them.
This is a great story and goes to show how something little can change someones whole day! My mother taught me manners, but I never put them to use till i started working for the public. I think everyone should have to work for the public at some point in their life! It would teach them better manners and how much work we really do/ people we deal with. I work in a grocery store and see situations like this all the time. However more times than not people are selfish and make those people wait. If someones in a store to get one item usually they are in a hurry or forgot something on their first trip, and not happy they had to come back. Great story if everyone would just do their little part our society would be a much better place!
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